Χίος

Published : 03/31/2016

Chios (/ˈkaɪ.ɒs/; Greek: Χίος, pronounced [ˈçios]; Turkish: Sakız Adası alternative transliterations Khíos and Híos) is the fifth largest of the Greek islands, situated in the Aegean Sea, 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) off the Anatolian coast. The island is separated fromTurkey by the Çeşme Strait. Chios is notable for its exports of mastic gum and its nickname is The mastic island. Tourist attractions include its medieval villages and the 11th-century monastery of Nea Moni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Administratively, the island forms a separate municipality within the Chios regional unit, which is part of the North Aegean region. The principal town of the island and seat of the municipality is Chios town.[2] Locals refer to Chios town as "Chora" ("Χώρα" literally means land or country, but usually refers to the capital or a settlement at the highest point of a Greek island).

ΠΑΡΑΛΙΕΣ ΤΗΣ ΧΙΟΥ

Karfas

Karfas is kocated southeast of the island 5.5 km from the city center. The Karfas beach is one of the most cosmopolitan beaches of the island consists of very thin sand and shallow waters. Karfas is the most popular tourist resort of the island satisfying the needs of each visitor, from young ages who can play beach volley, do water sports, as well also for adults, who can walk along the beach and relax and enjoy their coffee or drink at one of the cafes that exist in Karfas.At the beach of Karfas you will find our rooms and restaurant, many tourist shops, some mini-markets and moto and car rental shops.

Nagos

Nagos beach is located near the village of Kardamyla. The beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, consists of fine pebbles and the sea has a turquoise color that makes you relax on your vacation, there are several shops with traditional products.

Agia Fotia

The beach of Agia Fotia is located in the southeastern part of the island. This is one of the favorite beaches of the locals and visitors of the Island. Beach is known for "votsala" tiny beach stones, the sandy seabed and crystal clear waters. Agia Fotia welcomes many tourists during the summer months and has the appropriate tourist infrastructure. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility and playing by the sea. The beach has lifeguard, visitors can do water sports or enjoy the sun loungers as there are in most of the beach. Visitors can reach Agia Fotia beach by bus, taxi or any other transportation car or motorbike.

Chios traditional villages

CHIOS TRADITIONAL VILLAGES

Pirgi

Pyrgi (tower) is the largest village in southern Chios and is named after the main tower located in the central square. The tower used for defensive purposes to keep the inhabitants safe from pirates and today is abandoned. But what characterizes Pyrgi and has made it known throughout the world is the decoration of the houses and the church. The decoration has been done in a very special way. The decoration system called "scratch." The buildings are formed with a good coating on the top half and with black sand on the bottom half and when it is still soft craftsmen carve the walls forming patterns of geometric shapes (circles squares etc..). called "scratches"

Mesta village

The Village was built during the Byzantine period in the 14th - 15th century with unique architecture. The houses are built next to each other with no gaps between them so that homes create the wall of the fortress (castle)as well, while leaving two gates to enter the interior of the village. The Mesta village is built in such a way that reminds maze. This forced pirates who invaded the village to get lost and can not reach the center of the village where there were the most important buildings like the church. The village is a tourist attraction, both for its special architecture evoking the Middle Ages, and for the great natural beauty of the area. Be sure to visit the wooden iconostasis of 1833 and the domed basilica church of Old Taxiarchis.

Anavatos

Village of Anavatos is a part of the island full of history, and is considered a village - monument of medieval architecture. The story captivates visitors and Chian themselves. The village Anavatos located 22 km away from the town and 6 km from Avgonima, access to the village can be done by car or motorbike. The village is built on a conical cliff above the sea which makes the incredible view while the appearance of the village unique. The houses were glued next to each other with stones. Their roofs were wooden, low doors and small windows. At the time of slaughter in 1822 the village was abandoned by the people of Chios. Women and children in order to escape from captivity fell from the cliff. The upper part of the village has been declared an archaeological site.

Volissos

Volissos is the largest village in northwestern Chios, distanced 42 km away from Chios town. Volissos characterized by the narrow streets and the old stone houses while you can not not notice the castle, which is illuminated and gives the village a mystery color and an imposing sence. Volissos is commercially developed and you can find taverns, bakeries that are famous for their local bread.